If you follow business news, there’s a good chance you’ve watched Kelly Evans break down market moves on CNBC. As the anchor of “The Exchange” and co-anchor of “Power Lunch,” she’s become one of the network’s most consistent voices, known for making complex financial topics feel genuinely understandable.
This 2026 biography covers Kelly Evans’ full career journey, from her early days at The Wall Street Journal to her rise through CNBC’s biggest programs. We’ll also break down her estimated salary and net worth, her education, and her personal life with husband Eric Chemi and their children.
Kelly Evans (American Journalist)
Kelly Evans is an American journalist and broadcast anchor best known as the host of CNBC’s “The Exchange” and co-anchor of “Power Lunch,” both broadcasting from the network’s headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Her career has centered on economics, markets, and business news, built on a foundation of serious financial journalism rather than quick-turnaround celebrity coverage.
Before joining CNBC, she spent five years at The Wall Street Journal, where she covered economics and real estate and became a familiar face through guest appearances on major networks.
Kelly Evans: Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Kelly Evans |
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1985 |
| Age (2026) | 41 |
| Birthplace | Syracuse, New York |
| Raised In | Lexington, Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Washington and Lee University (magna cum laude) |
| Current Role | Anchor, “The Exchange”; Co-Anchor, “Power Lunch” (CNBC) |
| Previous Employer | The Wall Street Journal (2007–2012) |
| Joined CNBC | February 2012 |
| Spouse | Eric Chemi, sports and business journalist |
| Children | Two, including a son born in 2018 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million to $2.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Kelly Evans was born on July 17, 1985, in Syracuse, New York, and raised in Lexington, Virginia, a small town in Rockbridge County near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Growing up in this quieter setting gave her a grounded perspective that later stood out in the fast-paced world of financial television.
She attended Rockbridge County High School before enrolling at Washington and Lee University, where she majored in business journalism and graduated magna cum laude.
Childhood and Family Background
Evans has spoken about her early academic drive and involvement in campus activities during college, including moderating a mock debate between commentators James Carville and Ann Coulter at Washington and Lee’s annual Mock Convention. This early experience moderating high-profile discussions foreshadowed the poise she would later bring to national television, including moderating a 2012 Republican Primary debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- Grew up in Lexington, Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Attended Washington and Lee University, majoring in business journalism
- Graduated magna cum laude, reflecting strong academic performance
Kelly Evans Career Timeline and Achievements
Kelly Evans built her journalism career step by step, starting in print before transitioning fully into broadcast television.
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Early Career — The Wall Street Journal
Evans joined The Wall Street Journal in 2007, initially covering real estate before moving into the paper’s Global Economics bureau. During her five years there, she built a strong reputation through:
- Writing the widely-read “Ahead of the Tape” column
- Contributing to the influential “Heard on the Street” section
- Hosting the daily “News Hub” program on WSJ.com
- Making guest appearances on Fox News, Russia Today, and CBS
At just 24 years old, she also co-hosted a presidential debate for the Wall Street Journal, an early sign of the on-camera confidence that would define her later career.
CNBC Career and Current Role
Evans joined CNBC in February 2012, starting as host of “Worldwide Exchange” from the network’s European headquarters in London. After a year, she returned to the United States and joined CNBC’s New Jersey headquarters.
Her CNBC path has included:
- Co-anchoring “Closing Bell” with Bill Griffeth from 2013 to 2018
- Anchoring “The Exchange,” a newsroom-based program for everyday investors
- Co-anchoring “Power Lunch” alongside her Exchange duties
- Contributing to “Squawk on the Street” and CNBC’s Business Day programming
Major Achievements and Career Highlights
Beyond her regular anchor duties, Evans has taken on several high-visibility assignments that reflect her standing in financial journalism:
- Moderated the 2012 Republican Primary debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Wrote “The Exchange with Kelly Evans” newsletter, covering monetary policy and market trends
- Built a reputation for sharp, accessible commentary that resonates with both casual viewers and serious investors
Net Worth and Salary
As a longtime anchor at one of the country’s leading business news networks, Kelly Evans has built solid financial standing over her career.
Net Worth Estimate
| Estimate Type | Approximate Range |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 million to $2.5 million |
| Primary Income Source | CNBC anchor salary, supplemented by writing and moderating engagements |
Her net worth reflects steady, long-term employment rather than a single breakout moment, built through more than a decade at CNBC following five years at The Wall Street Journal.
Personal Life and Family
Kelly Evans keeps much of her personal life private, though she has shared select details about her marriage and family over the years.
Husband — Eric Chemi
Kelly Evans is married to Eric Chemi, a journalist who has worked in sports and business reporting. The couple share a household that balances two demanding media careers.
- Husband: Eric Chemi, sports and business journalist
- Both work in fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom environments
Children
Evans and Chemi have two children together. She has mentioned that the end of her four-year run co-anchoring “Closing Bell” coincided with the birth of her first son in 2018, a milestone that shaped a shift in her career priorities at the time.
Early Family Background
Evans grew up with a sibling in Lexington, Virginia, spending much of her childhood in Rockbridge County. She has occasionally referenced her father, Dave Evans, in interviews, though she generally keeps deeper family details out of public discussion.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Username / ID | Status |
| Twitter / X | @KellyCNBC | Verified, active |
| Not publicly confirmed | Unverified | |
| Not publicly confirmed | Unverified | |
| TikTok | Not publicly confirmed | Unverified |
Conclusion
Kelly Evans’ career reflects what steady, expertise-driven journalism looks like over the long run. From covering real estate at The Wall Street Journal to anchoring two flagship CNBC programs, she has built her reputation on consistency, financial literacy, and clear communication rather than short-lived headlines.
With more than a decade at CNBC, a strong academic foundation from Washington and Lee University, and a stable family life alongside husband Eric Chemi, Kelly Evans continues to be one of the most trusted names in American financial journalism heading into 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kelly Evans?
Kelly Evans is an American journalist and CNBC anchor, best known for hosting “The Exchange” and co-anchoring “Power Lunch.”
How old is Kelly Evans?
She was born on July 17, 1985, making her 41 years old as of 2026.
Where did Kelly Evans go to college?
She graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University with a degree in business journalism.
Who is Kelly Evans’ husband?
She is married to Eric Chemi, a sports and business journalist.
What is Kelly Evans’ net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $2.5 million.
Does Kelly Evans have children?
Yes, she and her husband Eric Chemi have two children together.
When did Kelly Evans join CNBC?
She joined CNBC in February 2012, after five years at The Wall Street Journal.
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